by Raji Singh
Our Founder, James Thaddeus “Blackjack” Fiction
‘Tell our stories, Raji. If you don’t, it will be as if we’ll never have lived.’
These whispering cries of joy and sorrow rise from the bookshelves and portraits in the Fiction House.
I cannot refuse.
(Artwork enhancements by: Joseph Rintoul)
An imperative for writing fiction is to write consistently. Do so, even if you have work or other time constraints. Find an an hour, two, or three daily, five or six days a week. Above all else, this allows you to stay in close proximity to your subject matter. This helps you broaden your story and deepen your characters.
By writing on a regular basis, you are putting yourself into a frame of creativity concerning your subject matter and characters. While waiting in line at the grocery, riding the bus, reclining in the arm of an ancient walnut tree – thoughts, inspirations, and ideas will come to you about the plot and characterization. This is because somewhere, even if it is in the deepest almost hidden recesses of your mind, your ideas are consistently germinating, and then flourishing.
The wonderful almost electric-like snap you’ll feel is exhilarating when the idea comes to you — ‘I can do this with my storyline’ or ‘I can send my characters this way.’ These insights, small as they may sometimes seem, add up to make grand, complex characters, and interesting, often times intriguing storylines.
I consider all this now because one year ago I started my blog TALES OF THE FICTION HOUSE, based on characters from my novel. They are sometimes whimsical, sometimes quite serious short stories and vignettes about the hundreds of Fiction house residents in its nearing two centuries in existence. I vowed to be consistent. ‘One per week, Raji. Be creative with them, and make them interesting.’ I did it! Anyone can, by writing consistently.
One of my favorite residents is Great Grandmother, Shelva Fiction – her girlhood memories of 19th century Russia. Visit her at the Fiction house, as she tells about SHELVA AT THE CZAR’S WINTER PALACE. Wow, was she ever consistent with her writing! That’s what made her so interesting, imaginative, and funny – a true storyteller.
©Raji Singh, 2013
Congratulations on your successful year, Raji! From your friends at Pen In Hand!!
Pen In Hand 